If you've never cooked nopales before, you're in for a treat. This vegetable staple of Mexican cuisine is full of vitamins and can be used in various recipes. In this post, I'll show you the most common way to cook them and give you a few ideas for dishes that you can make with them. They are all super easy to make!
In This Post
How to Choose the Cactus Paddles
The weather is getting warmer here, and instead of the same old garden salad, I decided to make a nutritious Ensalada de nopales mix with lemons, olive oil, and spices. It's a delicious cactus salad!
We sadly do not get fresh nopales around here, but who’s complaining? You can see in the pictures that they look close to their expiration date, with dark spots here and there, but they are still crispy, and that is what matters when you choose the nopales. (If they are soft and bendable, do not buy them).
Since I have a few paddles left, I decided to share how to cook nopales properly and how I like to serve them in various recipes!
History Behind Nopales
The nopal cactus is native to Mexico and has been a part of the country's cuisine for centuries. It was even a staple food for the Aztecs! The word "nopal" comes from the Nahuatl word "nochtli" which means "prickly pear." The cactus paddles are also sometimes called "cactus leaves" or "prickly pear cactus paddles ."
The nopal cactus is a type of succulent and is part of the cactus family. It grows in arid climates and can reach up to 15 feet in height. The plant has long, flat paddles that are covered in small spines.
The paddles are the part of the plant that is used in cooking like we are doing today!
🙋♀️ FAQ
Before I share my recipe, here are a few questions I've been asked about preparing cooked cactus.
Can you eat nopales raw?
The short answer is yes; you can eat raw nopales. Most of the most popular ways in Mexico is adding raw Nopales to your Green Smoothie. However, when eaten raw, many people find they have a slimy texture (baba) and are not as tasty as when cooked. If you want to try them raw, I recommend cutting them into thin slice pieces and adding them to a salad. Check our Raw Nopales Salad HERE.
Are cactus paddles healthy?
Yes! Nopales have a lot of health benefits. They are a great source of fiber, vitamins A and vitamin C, and minerals like calcium and iron. They are also low in calories and fat.
How do you make nopales not slimy?
In Mexico, people have different techniques, like cooking them in a copper cauldron, using green tomatillos husks, or adding a tablespoon of baking soda to the water before cooking.
The key to making cactus pads not slimy is to cook them properly. You want to ensure that you cook them long enough to be soft but not too long, or they will become mushy.
What do nopales taste like?
They are often compared to green beans, okra, or asparagus in terms of flavor.
Ingredients for Cooking Nopales
Here is a list of ingredients you'll need to cook nopales...
- Nopales (cactus paddles)
- Tomatillo husk
- White onion
- Garlic clove
- Salt
Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post!
Cooking Tip:
- If this is your first time cleaning Nopales. Use kitchen tongs to hold the nopales or, better yet, wear gloves to protect your hands from the thorns. Once you are familiar working with cactus paddles, then you can try to clean them without gloves.
How to Cook Nopales Instructions
To make things easier for you, I am going to break down the directions on how to cook nopales!
Clean the nopales
- Place the cactus paddle on your cutting board and trim off the edge using a sharp knife.
- Scrape the spines, thorns, or eyes, running your knife from back to front until completely clean.
- Turn the cactus paddles and do the same on the other side.
- Repeat the same steps with the rest of the nopales.
- Finally, rinse the cactus paddles and return them to your clean cutting board.
Cook the cactus paddles
- Place a medium size pot with 4 quarts of water to boil.
- Cut the cactus paddles into small strips.
- Once the water is boiling, add the cactus, onion, garlic, ½ teaspoon of salt, and the tomatillo husk.
- Simmer uncovered for about 6-8 minutes or until tender on medium-high heat.
Note: The cactus will exude a sticky substance and most times will foam. So, pay special attention to this step to avoid the foam to spill over.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse the cactus.
- Let them drain completely or pat them dry with paper towels.
Now, your nopales are ready to be prepared into salads, scrambled eggs, as an addition to your Mexican stews, etc.!
How To Serve
Whenever I make a big batch of cooked cactus paddles, I like to make various recipes.
My go-to is this raw nopales salad! It has sliced nopales, tomatoes, onions, serrano peppers, queso fresco, avocados, and lime juice. It's light yet filling- perfect for a quick lunch!
I also like to make these nopales and eggs for breakfast. It's my husband's favorite breakfast, with a fresh, crusty bolillo and a side of refried beans.
Note: Another cooking method is grilled nopales served topped with melted cheese or with corn tortillas as tacos. Make 3-4 small cuts to each nopal after cleaning the spines; brush them with olive oil and grill them on a pan for about 3 minutes on each side over medium heat.
More Authentic Mexican Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe for cooked cactus, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:
- Chile Colorado With Pork and Nopales
- Nopales A La Mexicana
- Mexican Nopales Con Carne Molida (Ground Beef)
- Green Cactus Juice
- Nopales With Chorizo
I hope you make cooked nopales and use them in some of your favorite recipes! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!
For more recipes, follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. in español Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina
¡Buen provecho!
Mely
📖 Recipe
How To Cook Nopales (Cactus Paddles)
Ingredients
- 6 nopales cactus pads
- 1 tomatillo husk to reduce the viscosity effect
- ¼ white onion
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ tsp. of salt
NOPALES SALAD
SERVES 4
- 6 nopales cactus pads chopped and cooked
- 1 ½ cup chopped tomato
- 2 serrano peppers finely chopped
- ½ cup of chopped onion
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- ⅓ cup of olive oil
- 1 avocado
- ½ cup crumble fresh cheese
- Corn tortillas or tostadas to serve
NOPALES WITH EGGS FOR BREAKFAST
- ⅔ cups of nopales chopped and cooked
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp. of chopped green onions
- Salt to taste
Instructions
VERY IMPORTANT TIP: Use kitchen tongs to hold the nopales or, better yet, wear gloves to protect your hands from the thorns. Once you are familiar working with cactus paddles then you can try to clean them without gloves.
Clean the Nopales
- Place the cactus paddle on your cutting board and trim off the edge using a sharp knife. Scrape the spines, thorns or eyes, running your knife from back to front until completely clean. Turn the cactus paddles and do the same on the other side.
- Repeat the same steps with the rest of the cactus paddles. Finally, rinse the cactus paddles and take them back to your clean cutting board.
Cook the Cactus Paddles
- Place a medium size pot with 4 quarts of water to boil.
- Cut the cactus paddles into small strips.
- Once the water is boiling add the cactus, onion, garlic, ½ tsp. of salt and the tomatillo husk. Boil uncovered for about 8-10 minutes or until tender. The cactus will exude a sticky substance and most times will foam, so, pay special attention to this step to avoid the foam to spill over.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse the cactus. Let them drain completely or pat them dry with paper towels. Now, your nopales are ready to be prepared into salads, scrambled eggs, as an addition to your Mexican stews, etc.
NOPALES SALAD
- Place the nopales in a large bowl; add the chopped tomato, onion, serrano peppers and cilantro. Mix the ingredients. In a separate bowl mix lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add this to the nopales mixture and stir. Top the salad with crumbled fresh cheese and avocado slices. (Radishes go well with this salad also). Eat with corn tortillas or tostadas.
NOPALES WITH EGGS FOR BREAKFAST
- Add the oil to a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and stir-fry for a minute. Add the nopales and cook for 1 – 2 minutes. Add the eggs and cook until tender, stirring as needed. Add salt to taste.
Gloria A.
Hola Meli,
Por primera vez los cocinaré hirviéndolos. En casa los sofreímos con una piedra en la sartén. Así se elimina la baba. Así que ahora esa piedra está el la olla con el agua hirviendo.
Los haré con huevo y voy a preparar chile colorado para acompañar.
RoGoLo
Mely
Can the cascara of tomatillo be a dried cascara? And if more than one is used, will it reduce it even more.
Thank you in advance for your reply.
RGL
Mely Martínez
Hello Rogolo,
YOu can skip the cascara if they are not available in your area.
emily
can you store or freeze them
Mely Martínez
Hello Emily,
You can store them in the fridge for about 4-5 days.
Angela
Nopales reduce cholesterol and they’re Absolutely delicious. I used baking soda to reduce slime because I didn’t have tomatillo husks it came out perfect.
I had nopales and eggs for dinner! Thanks mele
Carla
Wow my mother and I found a small cactus growing in the woods in WV while picking blackberries. We took it home and now they're flourishing in her yard. I cut a couple pieces every year and bring them home to grow in my kitchen but never ever knew you could eat them until I saw your recipes!!! Thanks so so much I'm excited to try. I read that they're great for diabetics and ppl with high cholesterol which my mom has so after a tasty treat, it'd be even better to enjoy the natural health benefits. Tha is again!
Mely Martínez
Hello Carla,
Yes, many people eat them for their healthy benefits.
Alba
Looks great, but I have one question. What happens to the tomatillo husk? Are we supposed to fish it out like a bay leaf? Or leave it in? I'm wondering because I read somewhere that tomatillo husks were not edible.
Mely Martínez
Hello Alba,
Yes, you discard the tomatillo husks.
Gail Tubbs
I am going to buy a cactus paddle @ the store. I will make sure it is fresh. I am doing an experiment for my Type 2 Diabetes. I do eat as well as I can, but my blood sugar has a hard time getting down. I just read about the testing done with these paddles and I am willing to give it a try. I would rather go the natural way than have to take another medicine.
Mely Martínez
Hello Gail,
I hope you enjoy the green smoothie too. Many people like to drink it in the morning for the same
Greg
I made this as directed, but didn't to add a tomatillo husk to the water. They turned out fine. After draining the prepared cactus, I sautéed them in a little oil with white onion, chili powder and garlic. They were a delicious addition to my pork carnitas Rojas and bean burritos.
Dave
Looking Forward to these recipes cactus all over my yard with the tuna
Dina
I love nopalitos my mom made them with eggs an added garlic an chili powder an im glad she influenced me to keep my tradition going its sad that my children generation only eat fast food.
Bertha Garcia
People in Ecuador do not know that Nopales are edible! Napolis do grow out in the country! I did cook us three times, but that was not enough! People in Ecuador would benefit so much if they learn to cook Nopales!
Sharyn Johnson
Thank you Bertha, my husband is from Riobamba and has cousins with Diabetes who I'm going to tell to try and eat the Nopales. I've been cooking them and my numbers are down Asking my doctor if I can quit my Insulin or at least take less. thank you for your opinions. Sorry I'm years late seeing your note on here Sharyn Johnson
Elsie L. Mendiola
Hi Mely! I never had Nopalitos in a salad, so I will give them a try. As for scrambled with egg,onion and tomato, that is the only way my parents made them, and I learned to love them that way! Very cool post, thanks!
Mely Martínez
Hi Elsie,
They are very popular as a salad or as a side dish, serve with rice and the main dish. Also, you can enjoy them as a topping for tostadas.
Donna
Hi. I live in Canada and don't have access to tomatillo husks. What can I use in place of it?
Thanks.
Mely Martínez
Hello Donna,
Just skip the tomatillo husk, not everyone uses them.
Marysela
Look forward to reading your recipes. Please can you please if possible would love to see some for tamales. Thanks
mmartinez
Hello Marysela,
There are several recipes for tamales in the blog. Follow this link to see them all. TAMALES
Gabriela Andino
Ho thanks for the recipe, I recently bought nopales for the first time at my farmers market, I tried them once in a similar salad like this one so when I saw them at my market I thought what the heck I'll try it out. I'm curious as to why the tomatillo husk and is it discarded after the nopalitos boil or its left in the recipe?
Thank you for the great post!
mmartinez
Hello Gabriela,
The nopales release a slimy substance, the tomatillo husk helps to reduce that effect. But if you don't have it, is ok, just drain the nopales after cooking using a strainer. Enjoy!
Esther
Drooling as I write this! I love nopales; my favorite dish is nopales con puerco y chile colorado. My mom often made nopales con huevo, & my dad made ensalada de nopales.
As a kid, we had a huge nopal growing in the backyard, so we had a free, easy source of nopales. Great memories, Mely, & thanks for the recipes!
mmartinez
Hello Esther,
Have fun cooking!
Pauline
I have a huge cactus in my house with quite large paddles. that look like the ones you are using. I have no idea what it is called, can I eat this.
mmartinez
Hello Pauline,
Some large size cactus paddles are edibles, where are you located?
Rose Ricciardi
I have a Napol Cactus in my back yard. Been here 18 years and it was about 4 ft tall and wide. Now it is 10 ft by 25 ft wide.. I have to trim it 4 or 5 times a year and throw it in the bay. The fish love the paddles and the birds eat the red buds before I can. I didn't know about cooking the paddles until now. Thank you..If anybody wants a plant or paddles let me know. I live in Clearwater, Florida.
Mary Nieder
Hi, just found your site. I'm very excited to try some of the printed recipes. I'm going to start with no pales, as my husband just brought some home. I'm curious, as to the tomatillo husk you included in your recipe. This husk would generally be something that is discarded here in my home, but I'm fascinated seeing this. Thank you.
mmartinez
Hello Mary,
The tomatillo husk is just to reduce some of the viscosity produce by the Nopales. You do not need to add it if you don't want it. Just add a pinch of baking soda to the water before adding the Nopales.
Maddie Becka
I️ don’t know why the computer won’t post it but it is 5 stars
mmartinez
Hello Maddie,
Thank you for trying the recipe! Happy cooking!
Barbara
The factory that I worked at had many Mexican ladies that were great cooks.We had pot lucks on holidays and there was a cactus dish that had a spicy sauce (not mole) and it had a slight vinegar taste.Do you know what this dish may have been? Very good!
mmartinez
Hello Barbara,
Yes, it is a dish made with dried peppers, usually guajillo, and sometimes people will add pork too.
Check this recipe link below, use the same ingredients to make it with nopales.
Chile Colorado with Pork
Happy cooking!
Roger McManus
If you have the cactus, and there are varieties with no big spines and few of the little ones, you can harvest the pads when they are about no larger than palm size. Usually at that stage they are juicy with no spines and soft skin. You can just dice them up and cook them Easy and delicious.
Nola
I love your recipes!
Have you shopped the Grande Latin Markets in the Dallas area for fresh nopales? I shop the market in Mesquite and their nopales are really fresh!
mmartinez
Hello,
Thank you for your kind comment about the recipes. I had been to that store in Mesquite once, it about 1 hour from where I live, but it is a good store to find all kind of things.
Billie C
Hola, raised in Calif on the TJ border but never learned all the secrets to mexican cuisine (except I can make a very flavorful tamal). Somehow I missed the type of cheese you prefer. Are there certain cheese that enhance flavor to this recipe above other's. Please a run down sometime of the cheeses of mexico and what's used for meat dishes, tamales, enchelada's etc. Would be so helpful to me a novice at mexican cooking. I miss california for the mexican flavors. Thank you for your valuable time and expertise. Great blog and all the participants as well. People are fun!
mmartinez
Hello Billie,
I usually buy the "Queso Fresco", sold at latin stores. Thank you for your kind comment, I have in mind to write about the types of cheese and their uses. Thank you for following.
Elba Grana
Just came across your website when looking for different recipe ideas. I always make nopal cactus with eggs for breakfast but the kids have gotten tired of it last night I tried your salad recipe and it was excellent. This week I am going to try it cooked with a mild chile salsa with some tortillas and refried beans to change things up.
mmartinez
Hello Elba,
Nopales can be cooked in many different ways. There are several recipes using nopales on the blog. Check the search box on the top right side and write Nopales. Enjoy!
Anonymous
Hi How long do the nopales cook in boiling water would you say about? Or should I say how do you know once they are ready?
mmartinez
Hello,
Once the water starts boiling reduce heat and leave for about 5 to 7 minutes. Some people cook them longer up to 10 minutes, but I like my to still look plump.
Happy cooking!
Kadesh Hendricksen
Here trying to build up the courage to de-spine cactus for cactus and eggs. ^^ I plan to stuff them with cheese and bread and deep fry them, then serve them on rice and a fried egg on top. I have a spine in my finger from picking one up earlier thinking I had got them out. Seriously afraid to end up with one stuck in my mouth. I will make this happen though! Thanks for the encouragement!
Teo Bajar
Not just delicious but also a healthy food. Thanks for sharing the recipe and the tips.
Nora Ceccopieri
Mely qué riqueza de ensalada, se antoja con este calor de la canícula! Oye Mely yo no hiervo tanto tiempo los nopales, solo que den un pequeño hervor, que cambien de color y listo.
pushysmile
Thanks for the simple tutorial on the nopales. I shared to google+
Dr. Moon
My Grandmother use to make Nopales with eggs and fresh flour tortillas, yum yum. At the Mexican markets here in Texas the sell jarred Nopales, are they any good? They would save alot of time.
Very nice blog for authentic Mexican cooking!
Mely
Hello Dr. Moon,
Yes, you sure can use the jarred nopales.
Happy cooking!
Mely
Dr. Moon
Here in Texas you see then bottled in the Mexican markets, are these any good to use to save on cooking time?
£lim
Thanks for the instructions on nopales, will try to cook nopales:>
Mely
Hello Elim,
I hope you enjoy them.
Mely
£lim
Thanks for the instruction on the nopales, will try to cook them, It looks good:>
Trini
You are great! Back in Mexico, we always cooked first. Love them with eggs. Something I havent had in a long time is fish with nopales and epazote.
catherine resignato
two ways to freeze nopales, chopped & boiled five minutes and let drain, put in freezer bags.
second way is to toast the nopal on a comal or in a frying pan, no oil, their juice will cook them, let them cool and wrap with plastic between each nopal, put ten together, later defrost in Microwave and put them in a tortilla with melted cheese and salcita, great and fast at any hour, I especially like them for breakfast.
Mexico in my kitchen
Hello Catherine,
Nopales asados con queso derretido is my easy lunch anytime. 🙂
Happy week!
Mely
catherine resignato
I freeze nopales two ways, one is boiled for 5 min. Put salt, When they change color that's it, drain, cover with a cover and let drain all the juice,put in food bags and freeze. Second way: once cleaned with out cutting them, cook them on a comal or in a frying pan no oil, the natural juice will cook them, when they change color, try to dry them with the heat a bit and the let them cool, wrap individually between plastic wrap or freezer bags roll about ten together at a time they fit well in the freezer. Later defrost in microwave and use them with tortilla and melted cheese, salcita. Fast and delicious at anytime during the day, I usually have them for breakfast.
Mely
Thanks Catherine for explaining you freezing method. I know it will be very helpful.
Happy cooking,
Mely
lucille woods
Mely you are the best, love tour recipes because they are the real deal not the phony fusion mess that is being promoted in some recipes on television. Thank you.
Mexico in my kitchen
Thanks for your nice comment Oleg.
I will try adding the guacamole to my nopales ensalada tacos next time I make it. sound like a good addition.
Happy cooking!
Mely
Oleg
I have bookmarked your site! Your recipes are straight forward & come out tasting great. I am going to try the nopales & eggs for the first time today, maybe add some "soy"rizo to the mix. I love the nopales salad, the radishes are an excellent addition to it. I like to mix diced avocado into it; I accidentally mixed some guacamole into a friend's nopalitos & like the result! Your website is my "go to" for Mexican recipes. Next best thing to actually having a Mexican grandmother!! Thanks so much.
Oleg
I love your recipes, they are straight forward & come out so good! I'm going to make the nopales with eggs for breakfast today, & I think I'll throw in some "soy"rizo for added flavor. Keep up the good work, I have bookmarked your page as my "go to" site for Mexican recipes!
Mexico in my kitchen
Hello Curly Girl,
Thanks to you for letting me know that you enjoyed the recipes.
Mely
CurlyGurl
I just made this today with some carne asada tacos.....it came out amazing. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Anonymous
My Mother use to make Nopales with eggs when we were children but I never saw her make it. Now, I know. Thanks so much.
Mexico in my kitchen
Hello Anonymous,
WHat a blessing for your to have your kids cooking on Mother's Day.
I am glad the recipe was helpful to you.
Happy Belated Mother's Day!
Mely
Anonymous
Thank you for the recipe. I recently went to a farmers market, and kept seeing cactus everywhere. Finally asked about it, and everyone said to have it with eggs. My 20 yr old son, and 18 yr old daughter made it for me today for mothers day following your recipe. Thank you sooooooo much! I was scared, but it was yummy!!
A Barbie Gone BAD
i love nopalitos con huevo always have an a everyday dish in my ranch!
Anonymous
Thanks so much. I bought some at a flea market and the lady there told me what they were. I thought they were cut bell pepper. I didn't ask how to cook them, but, I stir fried them with onion and they were terrific. I went back yesterday and she said..'oh no, you should boil first'. Well, I didn't get sick, so it worked ok with the stir fry. I love to try new foods.
Anonymous
Can you freeze nopales (or nopalitos) for later use? If so, is it best to freeze them cooked or raw? Thank you. And thanks for posting these recipes - they look great!
Mely
Hello Anonymous,
Some recipes call for raw nopales and they come out just fine. If you read the comments bellow a reader was kind enough to share her freezing method.
Enjoy!
Anonymous
gracias por tu recetas.
Gloria
I just cleaned and cooked some nopales day before yesterday. I love them. Great post. I post about them all the time. Your pictures are awesome.
Mely (mimk)
Hello Anonymous,
Cooking time varies depending on the thickness and freshness of the Nopales. But if you have tender young Nopales, 10 minutes will be enough.
Just cook the Nopales until they are tender but still firm.
Thanks you for valuable question.
Mely
Anonymous
This looks like a great recipe, but I must say.... those nopales before cooking are such a beautiful, vibrant green color... after cooking they just look dead. In your opinion, is it necessary to boil the nopales for that long?
Mely (mimk)
Hello Anonymous,
Thank you for stopping by and letting me know about your experience cooking with nopales.
Have a great Day!
Anonymous
yo dawg. made this today. omg delish
well i modded your recipe. delish. not so much of a fan of cactus+egg burritos but the salad was wonderful! thank you for the pictures and instructions. glad i was able to cook with them.
R.
Wonderful! I found your blog today searching for how to cook nopales. We're doing a southwestern ragu and are tucking in chopped nopales. Nice blog!
Mely
Thanks a lot for your nice comment Anonymous.
Gracias por tu amable comentario anonimo, espero te gusten todas las recetas.
Thanks Marlene:
Please do come back and visit.
Anonymous
ricas recetas como para chuparse los dedos!
delicious recipies so good you can leak your fingers!
Anonymous
this is grate im glad, and im also satisfide with the ''ensalada de noplales''....glad to say
Marlene
Chow and Chatter
what a salad
figtree
Ive been really enjoying your blog, re. the gazpacho recipe yes its 1 TB, Im always in a rush when posting..The weather has been so warn my family are already requesting a 2nd batch..Figtreeapps
Mely (mimk)
Hi! Hot garlic thank you for joining me to cook some traditional mexican food.
Hello! Easy Caribean shop glad you like it, thanks for you visit.
Hi there Zerrin,
i didn't know you had those in Turkey, what a surprise. we also eat the fruit and make different desserts with it.I hope you try them.
zerrin
We have those kinds of cactus here in Turkey, but never thought of making salad from its pads. Noone makes it here. So interesting... We generally eat its fruit, orange in color, which has lots of benefits for health. Seeing these pictures and reading your post, I think I'll be the first to try this salad here. You made me so curious about it.
Kristy
Did you get to try the cactus pads in Turkey???
Easy Caribbean Shop
Very nice food
hot garlic
I am *so* excited to find this blog! I love to cook Mexican food {and EAT Mexican food} but don't know how to do so authentically! I'm excited to take your journey with you and learn some new things, this is so great.
Mely (mimk)
Hello Jessie & peachkins glad you can get to see here how we cook them. Maybe you could try them sometime.
Hi Fiamma Culinaria,
That is a great way to eat nopales, thanks for the input. My favorite way to eat nopales is grilled toped with melted cheese. Thank you for stopping by.
Hey!
Burpandslurp,
Pickles? Well.... a litlle not so sour. Thanks for your visit.
burpandslurp
wow, what a great lesson on nopales! I've seen this around in markets, but never knew what to do with them. This is awesome, and a rather "tame" and "introductory" way to enjoy nopales.
It looks like it might taste a bit like...pickles?
Pa-Dutch-Travel
They definitely don't taste like pickles.Trust me on that I hate pickles. It's more similar to a green bean flavor.
Fiamma C
For salads you could also try curing them in rock salt for a couple of minutes and then rinsing them in cold water instead of boiling them in water; a technique used in Nayarit, Mexico. They will be super crunchy, and you'll avoid the okra-like sticky substance....also, the color remains bright green. Great pictures, thank you!
Anonymous
You don't look them in water then? So they'd be raw? If so, you would use them same as cooked ones? Thank you
mmartinez
Hello,
Yes, the salt will cure them. I had seen this method used only to make salads with the nopalitos, but not to use them on stews. Some people will add the nopales raw and chopped to the stews and let them cook with the rest of the stew.
♥peachkins♥
This is sooo interesting and so cool. This is probably just normal to you but I didn't know cactus pads can be made into salads and sandwich. I would want to try that!
Jessie
I've never seen cactus being made into a dish but this looks great!
Mely (mimk)
Hi Miranda,
And yes, I do make tamales all kinds of them, the spice ones and sweet ones. And yes too, to having them for breakfast, but also lunch and dinner. Tamales are sold in the strees of Mexico City inside a french bread for breakfast sometimes outside the metro stations or close to the bus terminal.
Glad to see you stopping by.
james
recept how to make a good Tamales ?
mmartinez
Hello James,
Please follow this recipe link below.
For red sauce pork tamales: Recipes using canned chipotle peppers
For chicken green sauce tamales: Tamales chicken
Happy cooking!
Mely (mimk)
Hi Rossel,
I also love salads, specially this time of year. I can live on salads alone during summer. I hope you try this recipe.
Pigpigscorner, The nopales sort of taste like green beans/sparragus. In my country a lot of people use them as a medicinal aid, sometimes blending it in a fruit smoothie. I know it sounds odd.
pigpigscorner
This is new for me, never had cactus. Wonder what it tastes like!
Barbara Moss
In my opinion the taste is similar to that of a green bean.
Liz Davenport
To me nopales taste a bit like dill pickles. 🙂
Carolina
As a child, that's what it taste like to me. However, I now like them especially in salads or with other items i.e. Chile colorado.
Niy
Tastes more like okra and pickles.
Alicia Gonzalez
Can you please share how to make nopalitos con salsa roja thank you
Mely Martínez
Hello Alicia,
Follow this link to check all the recipes in the blog using nopales, including in salsa roja. Click here >> NOPALES
Miranda
Very cool...I always wondered how to make cactus.
I love your site. My husband loves Mexican. I have tried Tamales, Carna Asada and I will be back to your site.
Do you make Tamales? Is it really a breakfast food?
Oscar Loaiza
Tamales are an any time food, but especially breakfast! They are best reheated on a griddle the morning after and served with eggs over easy. 🙂
Oscar Loaiza
Tamales are an any time food, but specially delicious as a breakfast food. re heat in the morning on a hot griddle and serve with eggs over easy... 🙂
rossel
i love salads and ensaladas. they are both healthy. thanks for sharing this.
Aileen
Is it ok to make this without the tomatillo husk?
Mely Martínez
Hello Aileen,
Yes, you can cook them without it.